"Hosting the Games here contradicts the basic principles of the Olympics, which is to cultivate tolerance," Lebedev told the Associated Press from the police station. Lebedev cited growing homophobia in Russia as the main reason for his protest.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a ban on propaganda of "non-traditional sexual relations" into law in June which has provoked widespread international criticism.

Putin has rescinded a ban on all rallies in Sochi during the Games to allow demonstrations at venues determined by the Interior Ministry.